Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo [email protected]
ZIMTRADE says it is leveraging the 2026 Korea-Africa Business Forum to advance Zimbabwe’s market diversification agenda and create new opportunities for local companies in South Korea.
The national trade development and promotion agency said engagements in Seoul are focused on sectors where Zimbabwe enjoys competitive advantages, including value-added products, essential oils, natural herbs, spices and other ingredients.
“We are participating at the 2026 Korea-Africa Business Forum to advance Zimbabwe’s market diversification efforts and identify opportunities for local companies in the Korean market,” said ZimTrade on its X handle.
“Engagements with buyers and industry stakeholders on the sidelines of the forum are focused on sectors where Zimbabwe has competitive strengths, including value-added products, essential oils, and natural herbs, spices and other ingredients.”
The forum, held at the Lotte Hotel in central Seoul on Tuesday, brought together business leaders and government officials from South Korea and across Africa to explore ways of expanding trade, investment and industrial cooperation.
Organisers said about 300 business leaders, experts, government officials and representatives from both regions attended the event to discuss trade and investment opportunities, industrial collaboration and supply-chain resilience.
South Korea and African delegations convened the business forum on June 2, 2026, in Seoul as part of efforts to deepen economic ties and expand industrial partnerships following the inaugural Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
ZimTrade said the forum also provides an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the standards, preferences and innovation trends shaping South Korea’s consumer and manufacturing sectors.
“Encouragingly, buyers already sourcing from Africa, particularly Southern Africa, have highlighted their awareness of the quality associated with Zimbabwean products and their interest in exploring potential supply relationships. Such engagements are important building blocks in expanding Zimbabwe’s export footprint and creating sustainable pathways for local enterprises to participate in international trade.”
The agency said its participation in the forum aligns with broader efforts to diversify Zimbabwe’s export markets beyond traditional destinations, amid growing interest from Korean buyers in natural ingredients used in the food, cosmetics and wellness industries.
